A New Jersey woman shed her shirt and went topless to escape a shoplifting arrest — but her attempt went bust, according to a report.
Lakia Pierce, 42, of Hoboken was seen trying to leave a ShopRite in Bayonne without paying for a few items late Tuesday, according to NJ.com.
A loss-prevention guard asked a police officer working a security detail to help stop the woman, who became uncooperative when confronted and tried to flee, police Lt. Eric Amato told the news site.
During an ensuing struggle, Pierce scratched the cop’s arm several times and tried to slug him, but he managed to grab hold of her shirt, Amato said.
The desperate woman tore away, allowing her shirt to be pulled off so she could escape topless, he added.
Pierce was nabbed a block away and the stolen merchandise was recovered.
To make matters worse for the suspect, police found drug paraphernalia on her, Amato told NJ.com.
Pierce was charged with robbery, resisting arrest and possession of narcotics paraphernalia.
The arresting officer refused medical attention for his injuries.